Related Coverage

DELPHI, Ind. (AP) — Authorities have experienced a surge in tips in the investigation into the slayings of two northern Indiana girls since the release of a composite sketch of a man suspected in the February killings.

The suspect in the killings of Liberty German and Abigail Williams is pictured in a cellphone photo (left) and composite sketch (right). (Indiana State Police)

Carroll County Sheriff Tobe Leazenby says investigators received at least 1,000 leads via email and telephone within 24 hours of the release Monday of the FBI artist’s sketch of the man.

State Police Sgt. Kim Riley tells the Journal and Courier that callers “blew our phones off the walls.”

Police say the man is the main suspect in the murders of 14-year-old Liberty German and 13-year-old Abigail Williams. They vanished Feb. 13 while hiking near their hometown of Delphi, about 60 miles (100 kilometers) northwest of Indianapolis. Their bodies were found the next day.

Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.